Brandon Willis, Administrator of Risk Management Agency (RMA) for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), provided an RMA update for those at the recent annual meeting for the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB). Brandon shared insights for activity in the coming year and discussed the long-term outlook for crop insurance. Prior to joining USDA in 2009, he served …
Changes at National Cotton Council
The National Cotton Council has a new president and a new chairman following elections held over the weekend at the organization’s annual meeting. Dr. Gary Adams, who has served as the National Cotton Council’s (NCC) vice president of Economics and Policy Analysis since 2002, was elected by the NCC’s board of directors to be president and chief executive officer, replacing …
Farm Aid Sets 30th Anniversary Concert Date
The 30th anniversary of Farm Aid takes place this year, and the co-founders of the concert to benefit family farmers announced this year’s show will take place on Sept. 19. Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp made the announcement at the 17th annual GRAMMY Foundation® Legacy Concert, where the GRAMMY Foundation honored Farm Aid for its ability to harness the power …
Rep. Rodney Davis Receives CIRB Award
This morning Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) received the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau’s 2015 Chairman’s Award. Representing Illinois’ District 14, Congressman Davis serves on the House Agriculture Committee and is a champion for farmers and a strong crop insurance program. He was present via a video clip since he’s at work in Washington, DC. He will receive the award in …
Proposed Crop Insurance Cuts Concern Ag Groups
A coalition of more than 30 agricultural, banking and insurance organizations are concerned about the President’s proposed budget cuts to some elements of crop insurance. The group sent a letter to Congressional leaders this week to highlight the importance of crop insurance and how it can save consumers money and help farmers recover from weather disasters. The American Soybean Association …
Past and Future CIRB Leadership
The gavel has been passed at the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau. Greg Mills, is now the outgoing Chair while Sheri Bane is the new Chair for CIRB. Greg was presented with several thank you gifts during the annual meeting. I asked Greg to tell me what he and CIRB accomplished during his term. He says that one of those …
Groups Urge Quick Passage Of TPA
A diverse group of agriculture and food organizations sent a letter to Congress this week urging swift passage of legislation renewing Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). The 70 groups, ranging from general farm organizations like the American Farm Bureau, to specialized commodity groups like the Wine Institute, say TPA is necessary so that major trade deals can be finalized and implemented …
Preview of CIRB Annual Mtg.
The Executive Vice President for the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau is Mike Torrey, pictured here on the right with new Chair Sheri Bane and just past Chair Greg Mills. Prior to our opening reception last night I visited with Mike to learn more about CIRB and what will take place during this annual meeting. By the time I interviewed …
Live Video Streaming from 2015 World Ag Expo
Multi Ag Media, LLC in partnership with Ad-Venture Video Productions, will broadcast live Feb. 10-12 from the 2015 World Ag Expo grounds in Tulare. Viewers will be able to tune in at WAE.TV starting February 10th to see interviews from industry leaders, new technologies from exhibitors, show activities and sponsored advertising. Live streaming will be available all three days of …
CIRB Annual Meeting Underway
The 2015 Crop Insurance & Reinsurance Bureau Annual Meeting is underway in Bonita Springs, FL. That’s where you hold a meeting this time of year! I grew up about 2 hours north of here. So, registration is underway, the board is meeting and we have the opening reception is coming up soon. This is my first time attending and we’re …